Millwall

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Neil Harris says he has no immediate plans after ending his reign at Millwall other than enjoying a family Christmas - and watching Southend United.

The Lions legend ended his second spell as manager with a defeat at Middlesbrough after announcing on Tuesday that he was leaving.

That led to speculation about what comes next for Harris, but he told BBC Radio London: "I'll have Christmas with the family and it's an opportunity to get out and see some friends in football and seeing training and matches at different levels.

"I'll be watching my local team Southend so just look forward to that period and then the future – who knows?"

Harris said he felt he was leaving the club in a better position then when he took over in February when they were in the bottom three.

"We've had a successful 10 months and I feel we leave the club in really good hands and safe position, so I'm disappointed today but still extremely proud," he added.

"It's been difficult for the lads because they're losing their leader and it's difficult for them to understand why, and where they're going next. We've tried to bridge that gap with humility, honesty and love as I care about the players, they're really good lads."

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With Middlesbrough having won four of their past seven games and scored 20 goals in that period, this is a daunting task for Millwall.

Neil Harris will bid farewell as Millwall boss after the match hoping to have avoided a third successive defeat.

• Middlesbrough have won two of their past three league games against Millwall (L1), as many as across their prior nine matches combined against them (D5 L2).

• Millwall have won just one of their past eight away league games against Middlesbrough (D3 L4), though it did come in their most recent trip on the opening day of last season (1-0); they could win successive such games for the first time since April 2014.

• Middlesbrough have alternated between victory (4) and defeat (3) in their past seven home league games, winning 3-1 over Hull City in their most recent such game.

• Five of Millwall's past seven away league games have been drawn (W1 L1), last drawing three in a row on the road in the league in April 2022.

• Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz has been involved in five goals in his past four home league appearances (three goals, two assists), one more involvement than in his first 15 such games for the club (four assists).

Image source, Rex Features

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been named the EFL's Championship manager of the month for November.

The Blades were unbeaten last month, taking 16 points from their six matches and climbing to the top of the table.

It is the second time this season Wilder has won the award having also been named the division's top manager in September.

"This award is recognition for a lot of hard work from the players and the staff in the opening months of the season," Wilder told the EFL website., external

"The rebuild of the squad has been talked about numerous times, what needs to be taken into consideration is that this is a new group, providing a new dynamic, which includes the lads who were here last season. There's still a lot of work to do but the signs are good."

Sheffield United have taken four points from their opening two games of December and host Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, Burnley's Scott Parker and outgoing Millwall head coach were also nominated for the award.

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Millwall's Neil Harris is among four bosses nominated for the Championship Manager of the Month award for November, even though he will leave the club after Saturday's match at Middlesbrough.

Harris led the Lions on a five-match unbeaten run last month from which they took nine points and conceded only three goals.

Chris Wilder's Sheffield United collected 16 points from six unbeaten games in November during which time they went top of the Championship and beat rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the Steel City derby.

Although they lost two of their six league games last month, Middlesbrough went goal crazy under Michael Carrick as they recorded four wins by scorelines of 4-1, 5-1, 6-2 and 3-1.

Scott Parker watched his Burnley side pick up four wins and suffer just one defeat from their six games in November.

The Clarets also only conceded one goal.

The winner of the Championship's Manager of the Month award will be announced on Friday morning.

Here are some more of your thoughts on who should replace Neil Harris:

Phillip: Chris Davies of Birmingham City, he is doing a great job.

Lee: José said why not Millwall? C'mon, you're probably sick of the sun and amazing food at Fenerbahce by now. Think of that short walk to work my son.

Richard: Sad Harris has gone. We need to get a safe pair of hands so I'd personally get Mark Robins. Although Alex Neil could also be a good shout after his work with Norwich and Preston.

Dai: I'd love to see Mark Robins in there straight away. I reckon he would be a great fit for us. Did brilliant with Coventry

We asked for your thoughts on who should replace Neil Harris.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Mark Robins ideally, Steve Cooper possibly, but definitely not Rowett.

Paul: Gary O'Neil would be my choice, done a good job at Bournemouth, I believe he is a Millwall fan too!

Harry: I think Harris has been great at Millwall for both times he's been managing us, but it's time for a change and I would say that we should bring in Steve Cooper.

John: Got to go after Robins, surely?

Image source, Rex Features

Analysis - Aaron Paul, EFL presenter for BBC Radio 5 Live and the 72+ podcast

When Neil Harris returned to take control of Millwall in February, the remit from owner James Berylson was simple - save us.

The Lions were 21st after the tumultuous reign of Joe Edwards was ended and Harris came in trying to reignite the old Millwall - pragmatic, strong and disciplined - in a fight for Championship survival.

The impact of the man they call 'Chopper' was instant. A 2-1 win at would-be promoted Southampton showed that Millwall spirit, and fans were given a glimpse of the past and what was to come.

The Lions built on that performance, picking up 26 points to finish well clear of danger in 13th, but a big summer was required.

Japhet Tanganga's loan spell was made permanent and new attacking options were brought in, in the form of Macaulay Langstaff and Milhailo Ivanovic.

But the start of this season proved tough and the Lions found themselves 18th, with one win in their six opening league games.

Victory against Plymouth was the catalyst for an upturn in form, and Harris was able to summon the power of The Den with wins against promotion-chasing Burnley and Leeds.

But comments made after Saturday's defeat by Coventry weren't received well by parts of the fanbase.

There is also a feeling that a breakdown in communication with sections of the club's hierarchy could have led to an earlier departure than was expected despite Millwall being in a good place in an unpredictable division.

Chairman Berylson and director of football Steve Gallen now have the unenviable task of finding someone capable of building on Harris' foundation.

Edwards' appointment didn't live up to the club's hopes, and the warning signs in the shape of Birmingham City last season will no doubt reiterate the fact that now is not the time for experimentation.

Mark Robins is the early name being touted as Harris' replacement. His longevity at Coventry, style of play and what he could do on a relatively small budget will be a very appealing proposition.

Image source, Getty Images

The club says recruitment is already under way to replace Neil Harris.

But who would you like to come in?

Click here to have your say.

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies.

Millwall manager Neil Harris will leave the club after their Championship match at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The news comes with the Lions 11th in the table, six points short of the play-off places.

Millwall fans have been reacting to the news and you can share your thoughts as well.

Here are just some of the messages from supporters:

The Lone Gunman - Good or bad he is a MIllwall Legend. Much respect. Good luck Bomber.

David 'The Clash' - I am just so disappointed. It really doesn't make any sense. Clearly something has gone on behind the scenes. Who on earth can the club get in now? I just sense something isn't right here.

Peter - Could never doubt his commitment to the club but IMO he doesn't have what we need to continue to develop a side with a real chance of promotion. Good luck wherever Neil.

Wambambigalo - Nothing to see here. He's always said he only came back because the club needs him. He's leaving because he's had a bit of stick from the fans. In the future if the club needs him he'll come back again, he's Millwall through and through.

Oogbwqsy - Thats a terrible decision, Millwall have been great this season.

Image source, PRESSBOX GRAPHICS

Millwall's 1-0 home defeat by Coventry on Saturday ended a nine-game unbeaten run.

The Lions have only lost back-to-back matches in the league once this season.

Sheffield United have the third best away record in the Championship but have only won two of their past six games on the road.

• Millwall have won three of their past four league games against Sheffield United (L1), with each of those three victories coming via a different scoreline (1-0, 2-1 & 3-2).

• Sheffield United have lost five of their past six away league games against Millwall (W1), winning their only match during that time 3-2 in September 2018.

• Millwall have won each of their past three home league games played in midweek, all 1-0 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday); the Lions haven't won four such matches in succession since October 2001 (5).

• Sheffield United have won just one of their past 18 league games against sides from London (D5 L12), conceding more than two goals in each of their past nine such fixtures.

• Millwall defender Jake Cooper has scored five goals across nine prior league meetings with Sheffield United, more goals than against any other side during his career.

Image source, Rex Features

Millwall's Billy Mitchell made his long-awaited return from injury in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Coventry.

The midfielder appeared as an 80th minute substitute having missed the entirety of the campaign so far because of a thigh injury sustained in pre-season.

The 23-year-old is set to be included in the squad for Wednesday's home game with Sheffield United but the Lions will be without Josh Coburn and Daniel Kelly until the new year.

On-loan forward Coburn has broken a metatarsal bone in his foot while Millwall manager Neil Harris has revealed midfielder Kelly damaged an ankle in an under-21 game at Watford last week.

Harris is hopeful defender Shaun Hutchinson could be available for Wednesday's match at The Den.

"He's tweaked a hamstring so it won't be long assuming his recovery goes at the pace it is, whether the Sheffield United game is too soon we'll have to see but we're hopeful [he'll be back] at some stage, whether that's Sheffield United or Middlesbrough," said Harris.

Millwall will definitely have defender Japhet Tanganga available on Wednesday after he served a one game suspension at the weekend having picked-up five yellow cards this season.

Image source, PA Media

Millwall manager Neil Harris says his side 'lacked a cutting edge' in their 1-0 home loss to Coventry City.

The Lions failed to register a shot on target as they suffered a first loss in 10 games.

"I thought first half we were the better team, but lacked a cutting edge and a couple of chances we did have we put over the bar or wide," Harris told BBC Radio London.

"Second half I thought Coventry were better than us until right at the end.

"I thought the last five minutes summed us up as a group really - we got into really good areas, just lacked the quality to hurt teams at this level.

"That's where we've always searched as a football club, and we've had it so many times this year where we've had the quality and the expected goals has been really high.

"Today we struggled, and at the end of the game a final moment - the ball comes into the box and I've got my centre forward and wide player standing outside the penalty area."

Image source, PressBox Graphics

Until recently, Millwall had developed a consistent habit of winning matches 1-0 - but it looks as though 1-1 has now taken over as the Londoners' favourite scoreline in recent weeks.

The Lions have drawn three games in a row with a goal apiece, against Stoke, Sunderland and Oxford, within a nine-match undefeated run that has taken them to 10th in the table, five points shy of the play-offs.

Visitors Coventry have also got into a familiar pattern of late, with three of their last four games ending 2-2 - the most recent of those coming at home to Cardiff last weekend in Frank Lampard's first fixture as Sky Blues boss.

● Millwall have lost each of their last three league games against Coventry City and will be looking to avoid losing four in succession in the Football League for the first time.

● Coventry City have lost just one of their last six away league games against Millwall (W3 D2), scoring 13 goals in total during that time.

● Since a 1-0 defeat at Cardiff at the start of October, Millwall are unbeaten in their last nine league games (W4 D5); they last went 10+ games unbeaten in the Football League between January and April 2018 (17).

● Coventry have conceded two goals in each of their last five league games (D3 L2); the Sky Blues last endured a longer league run of conceding 2+ goals in November 2014 (7).

● Four of Millwall's last five Championship goals have come from set pieces (2x free kick, 1x corner, 1x throw). Excluding penalties only Derby County (11) have more set-piece goals in the Championship this season than Millwall's eight.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Rex Features

Millwall manager Neil Harris has paid tribute to former Lions boss John Docherty, who died this week at the age of 84.

Docherty is the only manager Millwall's history to take them to the top flight of English football, leading a side featuring Tony Cascarino and Teddy Sheringham to the old Division One in 1988.

"What a legend of the football club," Harris told BBC Radio London.

"What he achieved as a manager is something that we have all since tried to emulate.

"We want to be the next one to take Millwall to the promised land."

Docherty was in charge for nearly 200 games across two spells, from 1986 to 1990, and then again in 1997.

"I was really lucky to have met 'The Doc'. What a good guy," Harris added.

"He just oozed class and presence. It is so sad that he has gone, but his memory will live on for a long, long time."

The club will hold a minute's applause and black armbands will be worn in memory of Docherty in their Championship game against Coventry City on Saturday.

Image source, Rex Features

Millwall manager Neil Harris is demanding even more from his squad after extending their unbeaten run to nine matches.

The Lions conceded an 85th minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Oxford United on Saturday to record a third successive draw but remain in the top 10 and very much in the play-off conversation.

"The football club and I have to remind ourselves we are nine games unbeaten and how far we've come in a 10-month period," Harris told BBC Radio London.

"But the demand from me to the players is we don't want to settle for what we've done we want to be better all the time."

Millwall are five points short of the top six with back-to-back home games against Coventry City and Sheffield United next up.

"I have to look at the positives and say we played so well for 45 minutes and we got the blend right between being an aggressive Millwall team who can defend in shape but also we had some real excitement to our play and that's what we want to be," added Harris.

Image source, Getty Images

It is one of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the football calendar as Premier League and Championship clubs join the FA Cup action from round three.

The draw will take place on Monday, 2 December from 19:00 GMT and can be watched live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.